USTA & Cheval Francais sign historic agreement

The President of Cheval Francais, Dominique de Bellaigue (left), and Joseph Faraldo of the USTA shake hands after signing the historic agreement.

Rebekah Mae Photography

Paris, France --- Officers of Cheval Francais and directors of the United States Trotting Association convened Saturday (Jan. 25) at Vincennes Racetrack in Paris to sign a historic breeding agreement.

Delegations from Slovenia and the Irish Harness Racing Club inked similar agreements with Cheval Francais.

The President of Cheval Francais, Dominique de Bellaigue, said, "These agreements will help our respective countries build upon this as a foundation to the expansion of international simulcasting."

With the addition of these three countries, there are now 25 countries that have similar agreements with the Pari Mutuel Urbain, the French state controlled betting system.

This agreement will pave the way for Yonkers to simulcast its races to France starting in the fall of 2014 and will open up the market for the export of American high quality trotting races to the European continent.

According to Yonkers Raceway President Tim Rooney, who was present for the signing, "Global simulcasting is vital to the future growth of our sport."